Together as a group, we explored various different third spaces all around U-District and it's surrounding neighborhoods, actively observing users of these spaces and analyzing behavior, actions, and movements and how the design and structure of these spaces influence such decisions.
Suzzallo Libarary:- There’s lots of interesting research archives that houses suzzallo so the ground floor/what not allows students to get access to very specific information that pertains to their research/what not.
- Place is located very central to UW, with prime windows and atmosphere for a relaxing productive space
- The upper floor space is also used as a meeting/people gathering place
- Very quiet… even in the designated chatting space, barely anyone was chatting.
- The fact that it is a UW affiliated building, lots of resources for academia. Lots of places to explore. The reading room is also a fun interesting different space! Though still very much a place where students study, very interesting to see people who are tourists come in and view the space as moreso an attraction as opposed to a resource.
Greenlake Library:- Quite small! 4 little sections with all the library.
- The population was very mixed! Lots of students, working adults, unhoused people taking a nap and relaxing as well as leisurely looking people reading a book, families and children.
- In such an ideal location (by greenlake park), it was pretty busy.
- The atmosphere was very quiet, people were very quiet aside from the odd person reading a book out loud and staff answering questions from patrons.
- Events and other community happening flyers were around! Seems like a space where people can gather and connect with their local community.
Fred Cafe:- Very ambient, but very quiet – lots of people on laptops. Only a couple of people who were chatting (I was there around 11-2pm)
- Upscale, modern, minimalist
Demographics: lots of white people, middle-aged, less older adults and/or children and teens. - Saw some unhoused people walk past, but they didn’t walk in.
- Paid entry, coffee/tea/food
Greenlake Park:- Lots of families, lots of people walking around the lake. There’s a little cafe that I saw people ordering from as well.
- Interesting mix of people – could tell there were more middle class people, but also a small unhoused population. Park is accessible to all?
- Lots of people walking their pets as well!
Could hear a lot of chatter because the park was very busy; it felt a little hectic- I went around 2-3pm, but usually when I go run in the morning (6-7am) it’s a lot less crowded
University Village:- Mix of users!
A fair amount of unhoused people- Recently forcibly removed from the park
- Public bathroom, benches/tables, covered areas
- Didn’t happen the day I was there, but in the past have met other people with dogs. People tend to talk a lot. Noticed a small community of people (with dogs) who regularly see each other and chat in the park
- Also spoke to one woman who lives in an apt complex nearby who regularly chats with an unhoused man, who lives in the park to see if he needs anything/how he’s doing
- Mix of housed and un-housed people
Bulldog News:- Paid entry, coffee/tea/food
- Lots of university students doing work and studying. Most on computers
- Many come with friends
- Small tables (most can only fit 2)
- Surrounding magazine and newspaper shop
They have Jazz nights and also offer community group performances- Acapella and more!
- Have a no phone table meant for socializing, no one was using it when i was there unfortunately
